Notes from the host
Forest Haven Suite Cottage 1 Near Sue-meg State Park
The Forest Haven Suite is nestled in the woods on
the Northern California Redwood Coast.
Located minutes from spectacular scenic vistas,
beaches state and national parks, the Forest Haven
Suite is the ideal location from which to launch
daily activities.
As summarized, the Suite is a 460 sq.ft. studio
style structure, fully loaded with amenities.
Of the five cottage at Golden Eagle Vacation
Rentals, the Forest Haven Suite is the one
'modular'
constructed unit. The 2 X 6 walls came complete
with windows, siding etc. installed. One of the
challenges was moving the components into place
and 'erecting' the structure into place.
The metal roof is an outstanding choice of
materials due to the temperate coastal climate
here. The design is clean, maintenance low and the
light green hue compliments the surrounding forest
of second growth spruce.
The skylight facing east allows light into the
studio style cottage with it's broad Douglas fir
beams transverse the short dimension of the
structure. The gentle beat of a light rain on the
metal roof is peaceful to listen too.
A four step staircase elevates one to the Forest
Haven Suite covered porch constructed of the TREX
material. Chocolate brown in color, the covered
porch
supported by light green 6 X 6 columns integrates
nicely
with the living space inside and outside
environment.
Two wooden rocking chairs are on the covered porch
with a small table
between them. Adjacent to the glass slider
entrance of the cottage. There is a welcoming vase
with
fresh cut flowers, gathered from around the
Tranquility Pond on it.
Rocking back and forth in the rocker with a glass
of wine, compliments of the host, the everyday
stress of life melts away as you focus on the rays
of sunshine filtering through the trees and hear
the seals barking
from their rocky perches. The wooded treeline
adjacent to the Forest Haven Suite conforms to the
perennial creek that courses by the cottage. It
is difficult to discern the sound of the breeze
through the trees from the sound of a babbling
brook. Aptly, named Beach Creek, it's ultimate
destination, the Pacific Ocean, is not far beyond
the boundaries of Golden Eagle Vacation Rentals.
Sea Otters, though very discreet have been sighted
near Beach Creek and IN the Tranquility Pond at
Golden Eagle Vacation Rentals.
Also, quite large beavers have been sighted by
this host AT Golden Eagle Vacation Rentals.
One very early morning, a small wake across the
top of the Tranquility Pond was witnessed.
A very large beaver emerged from the water, stood
up and turned around from the direction it had
come from.
Another wake of water proceeded across the short
dimension of the Tranquility Pond.
Again, another smaller adorable slick/furry
creature emerged from the water.
Apparently, the larger of the two was MOM. The
juvenile was her offspring.
I witnessed them waddle down the Golden Eagle
driveway until disappearing into the brush,
heading in the direction of a neighboring pond.
A bald eagle perches itself in the top of a tree
looking down on the waters flowing into the
Tranquility
Pond, searching for prey.
A large campfire pit is located below the TREX
covered porch.
Composed of rocks mined from the Trinity River,
there is
a bundle of firewood, compliments of the host,
available.
The bundle of wood consists of smaller sized
Douglas fir kindling for starter wood
and the slower burning hardwoods, Ma drone and
Oak.
Hosting guests around a campfire is a great
opportunity for the host to meet them.
Many friendships have been formed, family
reunions, wedding union and anniversaries
celebrated around the campfire.
I remember a Thanksgiving holiday around the
campfire
with my good friend, Mike & Mrs. W from the great
state of Oregon.
A skilled woodsman, Mike was convinced I could not
ignite a campfire
during a torrential rain. With persistence and the
help of some diesel fuel, we were able to enjoy
the warmth of a roaring bon fire in front of the
Forest Haven Suite.
The complimentary hues, greens and browns, of the
cottage exterior are offset be the white trim
around the windows, deterring the subtle elegance
of
the cottage's interior.
Stepping through the glass slider entrance to the
Forest Haven Suite is an experience worth noting.
The five senses are immediately engaged and
emerged in the tranquility of a
special moment.
A red duvet across a queen size bed beckons your
immediate attention.
Situated in a three sided alcove, the matching
crimson colored complimentary pillows offer a
mountain of
support for the sore back of an avid reader in
bed.
.
The subtle sound of 'Light Classical' music blends
audio virtuosity to an increasingly sensual
experience.
A gentle warmth and glow emanating from the
flickering flames of an inlaid hearth creates a
sense of romance. A welcoming colorful floral
bouquet of native bloom is presented in a glass
vase on the dining room table. Is that source of
the aromatic
essence filling the air in the Forest Haven Suite?
The lingering fragrance of Tea Tree
emanates through the Forest Haven Suite calming
the
spirit. Tea Tree is an aromatic component, the
essence,
in the 'eco friendly', nontoxic, biodegradable
cleaning
products that I personally use in the cleaning
maintenance of the cottages. These cleaning
products make this exceedingly important chore
enjoyable.
There is a complimentary bottle of California wine
that comes with the cottage
that is part of the experience. Would you like a
red or
white?
Often, to enhance the palate, I will present a
sampler plate
consisting of fresh locally produced products.
Fresh
caught white King Salmon, available in Trinidad
is my favorite. I often share it with my guests
along side of fresh fruit, local
cheeses and a locally produced Mustard Dill
sauce that is popular here.
The floor is made of laminated hickory that has a
rich dark hue. The black granite tile counter top
looks simple, sleek and modern. Surrounding the
thermostatically controlled fireplace inset into
the wall, is the same lovely tile. The
kitchenette has all the modern amenities of home.
The full size refrigerator, microwave, oven and
dishwasher are also black in color, integrate
nicely into a modern theme and are well stocked
with utensils pots and pans. Freshly ground
coffee beans, San Francisco Bay French Roast and
Rain Forest, are located
next to a coffeemaker on the far left of the
counter top. There is sugar next to the coffee in
a cute glass container. There is creamer in the
refrigerator.
There are also herbal teas available in multi
colored individual packets on the counter near the
coffee.
The ceramic top stove is modern in appearance with
it's sleek black color and design. It has four
burners.
Renting a moving truck to transport all the
appliances for the cottages from the Direct Buy
Outlet in Sacramento CA, was a harrowing trip for
the ages..
Home Depot provided the beautiful design and
cabinetry evident in the Forest Haven Suite and
other Golden Eagle Suites. Close attention to
detail in the planning stages at the store
resulted with the gorgeous red colored cabinets
that close with a gentle touch. The fixtures to
the drawers are lovely and another subtle nuance
amidst many details evident in these modern
cottages.
A table for two has a welcoming floral arrangement
of native blooms in a vase,
situated between the salt and pepper shakers. The
remote for the Satellite T.V. is on the table with
a
Welcome sheet containing the WiFi code and other
useful details.
The table is located in the dining area of the
studio style cottage, close to the warmth of the
fireplace.
Two black padded stools accompany the table.
An attractively comfortable two person couch
affords a great view of the woods through the
slider and a great place to watch your favorite
programs from. Prop one or two of the couches
pillows behind your back for maximum comfort. The
complimentary reading chair is just as comfy.
Situated next to a small table with a lamp, it is
an ideal place to read.
A sliding pocket door separates the main area of
the studio from the bathroom.
The bath/shower has sliding glass doors. Elegantly
trimmed out with stainless steel, they take time
to clean but are worth it because the attention to
detail and cleanliness is the most important
consideration, especially regarding the bathroom
.The ornate mirror above the lavi and other key
components blend well together here. The fresh
coastal air and a cacophony of birds are heard
through the cracked window located above the
potty chair. The provided hair dryer will not
scare the deer. They are apparently tame.
The hot water heater is the 'on demand' style.
Water is heated as it moves through the unit once
a hot water valve is tAll you need to remember is
when turning on hot water in either of the sinks
or shower:
Turn the hot water valve to full volume until the
water is hot.
THEN, decrease the flow rate and temperature to
what you prefer.
I've used 'on demand' hot water heaters for
several years and
they have always provided hot water consistently,
saving mightily
on fuel costs.
Agate Beach and Patrick's Point State Park is
a short stroll away.
Elk, pristine lagoon environments, Prairie Creek
State Park and Redwood National Park are just
minutes away.
Surfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking,
biking, paddle-boarding, whale, bird watching and
a plethora of other outdoor activities are popular
on the California Redwood Coast.
Proximity to what natures finest has to offer,
coupled with the peaceful tranquility of the
Forest Haven Suite, provides a sanctuary for the
perfect romantic getaway.
Celebrate your honeymoon in the Forest Haven
Suite!
Golden Eagle has hosted a 'Silver' honeymoon
anniversary.
There have been wedding ceremonies staged around
the Tranquility Pond..
I know the rivers,, public beaches, parks, swim
spots, fishing holes, tours and will deliver the
information that will make your
vacation memorable.
Hosted by Marke Matthews, or Joan Berkowitz, Asst. Mgr